Getting Twitchy

Past week I have been very twitchy indeed. It all started last Tuesday when a cracking male Kentish Plover graced the causeway at Holy Island, I needed the species for the UK and knowing how rare they are anywhere north of the south coast I set off. I arrived to discover fellow birders from Northumberland and the DBC chairman assembled looking for the bird. 'The Chairman' (Paul Anderson) was staying on Holy Island and had not yet seen the bird as when news broke he was on the wrong side of the tide. We started to scan and it wasn't long until we picked out a cracking summer plumaged Curlew Sandpiper amongst the throng of Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Turnstone, and Dunlin. While scanning through the Dunlin I picked out an inreresting wader and it reminded me of a White-rumped Sandpiper, I dismissed it and moved on looking for the Kentish Plover. Short while later I picked up the same bird and this time 'The Chairman' took a look and he agreed with me that it could be a White-rumped Sandpiper. As is typical it took off and we didn't see it again. Next day; White-rumped Sandpiper. Anyway just after the event of the possible White-rumped Sandpiper 'The Chairman' picked out the Kentish Plover and we all enjoyed superb and fairly close rang views of this fantastic male. It was yet another bird I wasn't expecting to see in Britain any time soon.

(Kentish Plover - © Andrew Kinghorn)

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(Kentish Plover - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Next was a day out down Teesside on Saturday, the day started looking for migrants and failing to see anything of note. Then down to Teesside where I managed to catch up with 2 Wood Sandpipers and the cracking drake Garganey. I was on my way to check for Whinchat at North Gare when I got a text on the way down to the car park, when checking it informed me there had been a male Citrine Wagtail found at Thornwick Bay in East Yorkshire near Flamborough Head. A decision was soon made and I was on my way, arrived at around 4.45 ish and we were soon watching this stunning example of a 1st summer male Citrine Wagtail. I wanted to see one of these beauts with some lemon yellow colour on it, I wasn't disappointed. An absolute ace bird and performed incredibly well and allowed for superb views. To top of the day a cracking Barn Owl flew past the car on the way out of the car park. 

(Citrine Wagtail - © Andrew Kinghorn)

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(Citrine Wagtail - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Finally yesterday; a day I will not be forgetting any time soon. Sunday evening saw the news braking of an adult Cream-coloured Courser in Herefordshire. I managed to tempt 'Stringer' to go down for it, he was already keen and just needed a gentle push. We arrived early afternoon and walked to the site and I picked out the bird with the naked eye even before I had set up my bins and scope. The bird showed superbly well and it was fantastic to see the species, yet another I thought I would never see in the UK let alone on the mainland in Herefordshire. The bird was only about 40 minutes from where I was staying with my parents last summer (and will be staying this summer). We watched it for about an hour before leaving for the long drive back north. Thanks to 'Stringer' and Brian for doing all the driving and the great company and laughs; much appreciated. Now...where's that Sociable Lapwing? 

(Cream-coloured Courser - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Cream-coloured Courser - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Please view the video in HD:

(Cream-coloured Courser - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!